On behalf of the 50,000-plus population of Vyasarpadi, a youth forum based in Vyasarpadi has put forward its charter of demands to the candidates contesting from Perambur constituency. The charter calls for improvements in education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities across Vyasarpadi’s slum communities.

The Sadhippom Youth Forum — a unit of Slum Children STEDS, a block development organisation that has been working for the welfare of slum and street children and slum-dwelling communities of north Chennai for the past 25 years — has raised some of the key demands of residents across 22 adjoining slum localities. They have sought a commitment to implement the demands on assuming office.

In Perambur constituency, DMK’s incumbent MLA R.D. Shekar is facing TVK president C. Joseph Vijay. PMK’s M. Thilagabama and NTK’s Vetrithamizhan are in the fray.

There were a number of education-related demands. The forum urged the candidates to ensure that all schools of Greater Chennai Corporation in Vyasarpadi are equipped with safe drinking water, separate sanitation facilities for girls, modern infrastructure, including libraries and laboratories, besides providing quality education.

Upgrading the existing primary school at MGR Nagar, Vyasarpadi to higher secondary school, improving the infrastructure facilities at Dr. Ambedkar Government Arts College and strict enforcement of the Right to Education Act in all private schools to enable poor children to secure admission in a transparent manner were among the key demands. They also wanted special training centres to be set up in all government and corporation schools to achieve 100% proficiency in Tamil and English communication skills.

The forum also demanded establishment of “Muthalvar Padaippagam” at the Government Higher Secondary School, MKB Nagar for the benefit of youngsters of 22 adjoining slum localities.

Housing was among the key priority areas in the demands. Avoid constructing high-rise buildings that contribute to overcrowding and make living conditions uninhabitable, the forum demanded. It also called for waiver or rationalisation of the inflated repayment demands (from ₹2,000 to ₹1,50,000) imposed on earlier housing-related loans granted in 1979.

They wanted alternate residential sites to be developed for communities affected by the Kodungaiyur dump yard, which has caused health hazards. Facilitate issuance of legal ownership (sale deeds) for residents through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board and address housing-related issues, it said.

More importantly, the forum stressed on ensuring active participation and involvement of slum dweller communities in housing schemes that encompass planning and implementation processes.

Infrastructure-wise, they wanted Basin Bridge to be widened to decongest and facilitate smooth flow of traffic. They wanted public transport connectivity to be increased from Mullai Nagar to all parts of Chennai and demanded metro rail connectivity from Moolakadai to Mint (Washermenpet) linking Vyasarpadi for the benefit of north Chennai residents.

Clean drinking water supply, proper sewage and storm water drain networks were among other demands. They also sought upgradation of the primary health centre at Sathyamurthy Nagar with advanced diagnostic facilities and strengthening of anganwadi centres by providing basic infrastructure, nutritious food and clean surroundings for children.

Vyasarpadi, known as the ‘Little Brazil of Tamil Nadu’ and home to a large number of football players, should be developed by establishing a “Football Research Centre” and implementing a special football development programme through Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, integrated with education to enhance the skills of local athletes, the forum said.

Improve livelihood

Sanitation workers who have been engaged for more than 10 years should be awarded contract opportunities for the same sanitation work they are currently performing. Additionally, the Corporation should support and facilitate their registration as contractors, the forum demanded. With biomining works in progress at the Kodungaiyur dump yard, contract opportunities should be given to local workers employed in the area as it will help improve their livelihood and overall quality of life.

Establish a Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation branch office in Vyasarpadi and ensure easy access to loans for all workers, including auto drivers and informal sector labourers, they demanded.